COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Liz Nare has had a season of firsts so far, including her first career goal and first career assist.
Monday, Nare picked up her first Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week award as well. She was named for her play in UNM’s 1-0 win over New Mexico State University.
Nare is the second Lobo in three weeks to earn a conference honor, as Jordan Craig was named MW Offensive Player of the Week after scoring three goals in wins over SMU and Texas.
Originally from Lake Forest, Calif., Nare anchored the UNM defense in the 1-0 double-overtime victory over in-state rival NMSU. The Lobo defense allowed just three shots and none from inside 25 yards of the goal.
Nare drew an assist on the winning goal, as her long pass found Jordan Craig at the edge of the box, who settled the ball and passed to Elba Holguin for the winning shot.
That game was Nare’s 50th consecutive start — she hasn’t missed a game in her career.
Despite playing in the back, Nare is tied for third on the team in scoring with a goal and two assists. She held down the fort with teammate Lauren Irwin in front of Kelli Cornell as UNM saw a change in the defensive back line on Sunday due to an injury.
Despite the personnel changes, both in the game and this year, UNM head coach Kit Vela knows Nare is a player she can count on.
“Liz, along with Lauren (Irwin) are leaders on that defensive back line, Vela said. “She really has had a lot to deal with, having some different players in the lineup this year. She has a couple of assists and a goal...and I’m happy she is really taking over in her junior year. She is a big part of this team.”
UNM improved to 4-4-1 with Sunday’s win.
Nevada senior midfielder Sarah Schmeda earned the Offensive Players of the Week honor from the MW.